Cinema and Drama Questions and Answers
Cinema and Drama
Do participants on reality shows receive payment?
Participants on reality shows do receive payment, though the amount varies widely depending on the show and the participant's role. Competition shows often offer token amounts, with larger prizes for...
Cinema and Drama
What is the significance of this quote from the movie Dead Poets Society?
The quote from Dead Poets Society underscores the importance of poetry in expressing human passion and emotion, contrasting it with practical pursuits like medicine and engineering, which sustain...
Cinema and Drama
What is the significance of the "Swan Lake" story in Billy Elliot and how do characters' actions and words inspire...
The "Swan Lake" story in Billy Elliot symbolizes artistic transformation and motivates Billy to excel in dance. Miss Wilkinson sees Billy as the swan, experiencing transcendence through dance. Her...
Cinema and Drama
In Dances With Wolves, why did John Dunbar leave the hospital and confront enemy soldiers?
John Dunbar leaves the hospital and confronts enemy soldiers to avoid having his leg amputated. Seeing a crate filled with amputated soldiers' boots and a legless man in agony, Dunbar decides to risk...
Cinema and Drama
What films do you recommend for a literature course and why are they suitable for interpretation as literature?
Recommended films for a literature course include John Huston's The Maltese Falcon and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, which are closely tied to their literary sources and emphasize storytelling....
Cinema and Drama
What film techniques are used in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho?
In Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock uses innovative film techniques such as misdirection, suspenseful camera angles, and auditory elements. He disorients viewers by killing the main character early and uses...
Cinema and Drama
In I Am Sam, was Sam a good enough father to deserve custody of his daughter?
Yes, Sam was a good father who deserved custody of his daughter, provided he received the necessary support. Despite his low intelligence, Sam was loving, well-rounded, and capable of caring for...
Cinema and Drama
What is the significance of Louis's quote to Jake's experiences in Jacob's Ladder?
Louis's quote highlights Jacob's internal struggle with fear and acceptance. Throughout the film, Jacob is haunted by terrifying hallucinations and uncertainty, symbolizing his inability to make...
Cinema and Drama
How does the movie The Patriot characterize the British view of the American colonists?
The movie The Patriot characterizes the British view of American colonists as dismissive and superior, underestimating their "patriotic" drive. British characters are portrayed as ruthless and...
Cinema and Drama
What are the main themes in the movie Edward Scissorhands?
The main themes in "Edward Scissorhands" include the innocence and purity of the protagonist contrasted with the corruption of society. Edward, an artificial man, is inherently kind and trusting,...
Cinema and Drama
How does Michael assist Billy to achieve his dream in the movie "Billy Elliot"?
In "Billy Elliot," Michael assists Billy in achieving his dream of becoming a ballet dancer by providing emotional support and encouragement. As Billy's closest friend, Michael legitimizes Billy's...
Cinema and Drama
Describe Sam's healthy relationship with Lucy in I Am Sam.
Sam and Lucy's relationship is healthy due to their open communication and mutual respect. Lucy feels comfortable asking Sam direct questions, indicating trust. Sam, in turn, supports Lucy's growth,...
Cinema and Drama
What is the definition of a neutral script?
A neutral script is intentionally vague, serving as a "blank canvas" for actors. Its dialogue suits various situations, characters, and relationships, requiring actors to make specific and strong...
Cinema and Drama
What does General Cornwallis's statement "Everything will change... everything has changed" mean and how does it...
General Cornwallis's statement "Everything will change... everything has changed" in The Patriot signifies a recognition of a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. It reflects his...
Cinema and Drama
What is the main theme of Mike Newell's movie "Donnie Brasco"?
The main themes of the film are trust and betrayal. Many things in the film were depicted with a lot of depth and meaning, which makes the movie an excellent one to watch and enjoy.
Cinema and Drama
How does the atmosphere and mood in James Cameron's 'Titanic' contribute to audience enjoyment and understanding?
The atmosphere and mood in James Cameron's Titanic enhance audience enjoyment and understanding by highlighting dramatic irony and emotional depth. As viewers know the ship's fate, tension builds,...
Cinema and Drama
What is the historical relevance of Joadson, Van Buren, Quincy Adams, and Tappan in the movie Amistad?
Theodore Joadson is a real person and his historical importance is well documented. Lewis Tappan and Martin Van Buren are also real people, but they were not involved in the Amistad affair. John...
Cinema and Drama
How does Pan's Labyrinth represent 21st century romanticism?
Pan's Labyrinth represents 21st-century Romanticism through its blend of surrealism, fantasy, and intense emotions against the backdrop of political violence in Franco's Spain. The film's...
Cinema and Drama
How does Born on the Fourth of July portray the rebuilding of post-traumatic identity through Ron Kovic's journey?
The film Born on the Fourth of July portrays Ron Kovic's journey of rebuilding his post-traumatic identity by illustrating his shift from blind acceptance of institutional beliefs to questioning and...
Cinema and Drama
Describe the South Carolinian colonial legislature debate in the film The Patriot.
The debate in The Patriot begins with an impassioned opening made by Colonel Harry Burwell, played by Chris Cooper. He is acting as the spokesman for the Continental Congress, urging South Carolina...
Cinema and Drama
How are prejudices portrayed in The Truman Show by Weir?
In The Truman Show, prejudices are portrayed through the manipulation of Truman's life, highlighting the unethical voyeurism of reality TV. Truman's life is controlled by Christof, who sees himself...
Cinema and Drama
What defense did John Quincy Adams use in Spielberg's film Amistad before the Supreme Court?
In Spielberg's film Amistad, John Quincy Adams defends the African captives by appealing to the Supreme Court's sense of justice and human rights. He argues that the case transcends property rights...
Cinema and Drama
What are the risks, buffers, strengths, and unspoken family rules in Gilbert's family in the film What's Eating...
Gilbert Grape's family is beset by risk factors in the form of life stress, physical health crises, poverty, immigration status and a lack of social support. The film does not shy away from the...
Cinema and Drama
Did the film Norma Rae change your understanding or feelings about union organizing and reasons for joining unions?...
The film Norma Rae can alter perceptions of union organizing by highlighting the struggles workers face and the necessity of unions. It portrays the harsh working conditions and the exploitation by...
Cinema and Drama
Which scene from Fellini's "8 1/2" best demonstrates his mix of wit, whimsy, and complex themes?
Fellini's "8 1/2" is a drama; it is a very heartfelt depiction of an artist facing his own creative mortality. His film is so filled with absurdity, however, that one can mistaken for believing "8...
Cinema and Drama
Describe the setting in Saving Private Ryan.
The setting of Saving Private Ryan is the beach at Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. It is in this way where the opening battle scene in the film becomes a reflection of the dangers faced by...
Cinema and Drama
In I Am Sam, how is the lawyer's relationship with her son unhealthy?
Rita is an extremely driven attorney who neglects her son's emotional needs. She places work at a high premium, which alienates her son. Additionally, she has a misguided perception of her own...
Cinema and Drama
The Blind Side Themes
A third theme in The Blind Side is the feeling of being an outsider. Michael Oher experiences this as a black student in a predominantly white school, from a poor background among wealthy peers, and...
Cinema and Drama
Which characters in Tim Burton's film Edward Scissorhands are admirable?
In "Edward Scissorhands," the Boggs family—especially Peg and her daughter Kim—are admirable characters for their acceptance and encouragement of Edward. Peg fosters Edward's creativity with his...
Cinema and Drama
What are some critical elements of the film Gomorrah directed by Matteo Garrone?
Critical elements of Matteo Garrone's film Gomorrah include its adaptation of Roberto Saviano's nonfiction account of organized crime in Naples, focusing on the Camorra. The film interweaves five...
Cinema and Drama
What are the meanings of three character names in the film Rosewood?
The names of Fanny, Sarah, and Sylvester are the most interesting in Rosewood because they carry a lot of meaning. The name Fanny is an informal term for the buttocks and it directly applies to...
Cinema and Drama
Murrow's portrayal in Good Night and Good Luck exhibits trustworthiness, credibility, and ethics
Edward R. Murrow's portrayal in Good Night and Good Luck exemplifies trustworthiness, credibility, and ethics. His steadfast commitment to journalistic integrity and his courageous stance against...
Cinema and Drama
What symbol represents Simon's purpose in life in the movie Simon Birch?
In the movie "Simon Birch," granite symbolizes Simon's purpose in life, representing his resilience and belief in being "God's instrument." Despite his small stature and the challenges he faces,...
Cinema and Drama
How does Edward expose goodness and evil in human nature in two key scenes from Edward Scissorhands?
In the movie Edward Scissorhands, Tim Burton exposes the human heart. Those who want to help him have good hearts; those who want to use him for their own gain or simply hate him have evil hearts.
Cinema and Drama
What are some ideas for an alternative ending to the movie, Casablanca?
Alternative endings for Casablanca could include Ilsa choosing to leave with Rick instead of Victor, which would emphasize Rick's isolationism and Victor's dedication to his cause. Other...
Cinema and Drama
In Billy Elliott, how does Billy show both passion for and resistance to dance?
Billy demonstrates passion for dance through his determination to pursue it despite significant obstacles, including economic hardship and social stigma from his family, who associate ballet with...
Cinema and Drama
What historical issues drive Calhoun's dinner monologue in Spielberg's Amistad?
Calhoun argues that there is a "section of the nation" that wishes to impose its views on "the other" portion of the nation. He asserts that the South is an "emerging economic reality in the South."...
Cinema and Drama
How does Orson Welles' film, Citizen Kane, use shadows and absence of light to portray Kane's dominance over Susan...
The scene in which Kane shadows Susan with his body is a most powerful symbol of his domination over her. The scene in which he threatens Susan is less effective. It is more melodramatic than the...
Cinema and Drama
What is Kubrick's commentary on patriotism, violence/warfare, and humanity in the film Dr. Strangelove?
The film is a satire of Cold War politics and doomsday, and a rather grotesque one at that. The main characters are either mad or coldly calculating to their advantage with little concern for the...
Cinema and Drama
How is Noah Baumbach's filmmaking influenced by, and different from, Woody Allen's?
Noah Baumbach's filmmaking is influenced by Woody Allen but also distinguishes itself through different artistic inspirations like Truffaut and Godard. While Baumbach acknowledges Allen's impact, he...
Cinema and Drama
In I am Sam, how do Sam's and Brad's communication skills and behaviors differ? At what age might Lucy have realized...
In terms of communication skills, there is no real difference in the way that Brad and Sam speak to one another. There is a level of communication that exists. In terms of Lucy's growing...
Cinema and Drama
Can you provide a review and summary of Martin Scorsese's movie, Wolf of Wall Street?
Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street offers a four-hour portrayal of the greed and excess of Wall Street culture through the story of Jordan Belfort. Based on Belfort's memoirs, the film depicts...
Cinema and Drama
What methods organized the community in the film The Long Walk Home, and why were they successful?
Organizations were formed to plan and carry out the boycott and the participation of local ministers and prominent citizens helped gain sympathy for the movement. In addition, some people who were...
Cinema and Drama
In Amistad, how does the Africans' freedom battle reflect America's growing sectional conflict?
The Africans' freedom battle in Amistad mirrors America's growing sectional conflict by highlighting divergent Northern views on slavery and mutual distrust between North and South. The film, set in...
Cinema and Drama
In Spielberg's film Amistad, how much did political self-interest motivate the Africans' defenders?
In Spielberg's Amistad, the Africans' defenders were not primarily motivated by political self-interest. Key figures like Theodore Joadson, Lewis Tappan, and John Quincy Adams were driven by moral,...
Cinema and Drama
Does Warren Schmidt in About Schmidt experience andropause, male climacteric or midlife crisis, and which one? What...
Warren Schmidt experiences a midlife crisis, marked by feelings of despondency and loss of purpose after retirement. His letters to Ndugu serve as an emotional outlet, allowing Schmidt to candidly...
Cinema and Drama
How does Paolo Sorrentino use music and sound design to convey his message in Il Divo?
Paolo Sorrentino's use of music and sound in Il Divo is crucial for conveying the film's themes of political corruption and violence. Sorrentino employs loud rock music and classical pieces to create...
Cinema and Drama
What is the significance of The Wolf of Wall Street?
The significance of The Wolf of Wall Street lies in its exploration of materialism's corrupting influence, as seen in Jordan Belfort's lavish lifestyle and ethical disregard. The film highlights the...
Cinema and Drama
How does Arranged portray the idea that "friendship has no religion?"
The film Arranged illustrates that "friendship has no religion" by showcasing the bond between Nasira, a Muslim, and Rochel, a Jew, who overcome societal expectations of religious antagonism. Their...
Cinema and Drama
What challenges hinder black men from actualizing their manhood in ''Lee Daniel's The Butler''?
The challenges hindering black men from actualizing their manhood in "Lee Daniel's The Butler" include the generational divide and societal racism. The film contrasts Cecil's submission to white...